Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Location:

Department of Engineering Science, The Oxford Thermofluids Institute, Southwell Building, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0ES 

Project Overview

This 5-year BBSRC supported project is a highly multi-disciplinary effort between biology and engineering groups at the University of Oxford to advance cell-based assays at the microscale. The post holder will be primarily a member of the engineering research group with responsibility for development of fluid walls technology for advanced cell biology assays in close collaboration with biologists. You will report to the engineering lead on the project  

About the role

The project will aim to develop fluid walls and associated automation workflows to enable microscale cell-based assays to be undertaken efficiently within petri dish and micro-titre plate format under fluid walls. The candidate will work with other team members to develop relevant biological workflows and design from theory appropriate fluid-wall microenvironments to enable these workflows. It will also be required to develop programs and workflows to maintain cell culture for extended periods of months. The candidate will then be responsibility for achieving consistent cell-based assays in fluid wall microenvironments with high cell viability for the biologically relevant workflows. 

About you

The project is a collaboration between an engineering group with expertise in fluid walls, microfluidics and automation and a biology group (DPAG) with expertise in iPSCs and neuron cells. These groups have worked together for approximately 3 years, and an example open access publication can be found here. DOI https://doi.org/10.1039/D4LC00107A.   

How to apply

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system and should include the covering letter/supporting statement (describing how you meet the criteria), a CV, and names of two academic references. 

The position is a full-time fixed term post with potential to extend to at least 2 additional years.  

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 12 September 2025.  

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Edmond Walsh: edmond.walsh@bnc.ox.ac.uk    

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/ 

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. 

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology. 

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